16 sluice gates of Kaptai dam to be opened tonight

Authorities at the Karnaphuli Hydropower Station have made preparations to release water by partially opening 16 sluice gates of the Kaptai Dam's spillway in Rangamati, as the water level is rising rapidly.

The water release may begin at 10 PM on Saturday (August 29), with each gate opened by 6 inches. This will initially discharge approximately 9,000 cusecs of water into the Karnaphuli River.

The Karnaphuli Hydropower Station authorities informed this via a notice on Saturday afternoon. The notice said, "At 2 PM on Saturday, the water level in Kaptai Lake was 105.64 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level). The lake's maximum water holding capacity is 109 feet MSL. Due to recent heavy rainfall, the inflow of water into the catchment area has increased, causing the lake's water level to rise rapidly."

Mahmud Hasan, Manager (Superintending Engineer) of the Kaptai Hydropower Station, said, "The lake's water level, the inflow from upstream, and the rainfall situation are being monitored continuously. Depending on changes in the situation, the timing of opening the spillway may be advanced or delayed. Simultaneously, if the inflow increases further, the gates will be opened more in stages to increase the volume of water discharge."

He said that currently, five units of the Kaptai Hydropower Station are operational. Through these units, in addition to generating electricity, approximately 32,000 cusecs of water are being discharged per second.

Meanwhile, officials have advised residents in the low-lying areas along the Karnaphuli River to remain cautious due to the possibility of the spillway gates opening. Sources said this preparation to open the gates has been taken to manage upstream and downstream water flow and to keep potential flood situations under control.

Earlier, due to rising water levels earlier this year, the Kaptai dam's sluice gates were opened on July 18. Later, when the water level decreased somewhat, the gates were closed again on July 23, four days later.